Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016

93 points and 'Year's Best US Cabernets & Blends,' Wine & Spirits: "[$78 list] There’s black-currant clarity to this clean and luscious cabernet, a blend of Duckhorn’s estate-grown fruit with purchased grapes. The dark fruit is layered with brighter black-raspberry flavor and rich chocolate tones from its time in French oak barrels (50 percent new). Relatively light in weight but saturated in flavor, the wine sustains a lovely mineral tension as it opens with air. (Oct 2019)"

92 points James Suckling: "Aromas of black olives and currants with hints of flowers and stones. Medium to full body, chewy and fine tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows some tea-leaf and spice undertones. 86% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 4% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc. Drink or hold. (2/14/20)"

91 points Wine Spectator: "[$78 list] Warm plum, blackberry and boysenberry reduction notes glide through, infused with sage, melted licorice and warm tobacco leaf accents. Takes on a gently mulled feel on the fleshy finish. Drink now through 2025. (10/31/19)"

91 points and 'Very highly recommended,' California Grapevine: "[$78 list] Medium-dark ruby; attractive, deep, intense, dark cherry and dark berry fruit aroma with hints of cassis, espresso, dried herbs, and graphite; full body; deep, rich, ripe, layered, dark fruit flavors with hints of dark chocolate, licorice, and cardamom; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Approachable now as it developed with airing in the glass, though will benefit from three to five more years of bottle aging. 14.5% alcohol; blended with 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc; released February 2019. (Jul 2019)"

Producer notes: "86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. A classic expression of Napa Valley Cabernet, this wine combines beautiful complexity with rich intensity. Layers of blackberry, huckleberry and black currants are supported by firm, dusty tannins that frame the fruit. On the palate, it is juicy and bright, with luxurious cassis and dark berry flavors supported by notes of fig, cardamom, clove and cracked black pepper that linger on the long, well-structured finish. Alcohol 14.5%."